Tynsong urged to Intervene on dilapidated NH-6

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 18: The Khasi Students Union (KSU) today sought the intervention of the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of PWD (Roads) Prestone Tynong into the dilapidated condition of the National Highway-6.

In a memorandum to Tynsong, KSU-EJHD Unit president Streamly N Suchen said it has been almost six weeks since the officials of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) have assured the Union to start the work in repairing the national highway but the road condition is still in a deplorable state and work is yet to commence.

The potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces have not only made it hazardous for commuters but have also caused damage to vehicles and led to frequent accidents.

He said as a vital arterial road connecting important states of the northeast region and taking into consideration the economic loss that will occur if not attended to, it is imperative that NH-6 is maintained and upgraded promptly to ensure the safety and convenience of the public.

“In light of these concerns, the union request your intervention in speeding up the work with an update on the actions taken to address the dilapidated condition of NH 6,” Suchen said in the memorandum.

The KSU has also sought information on the details of the planned maintenance activities, including repair schedules, resurfacing plans, and any other relevant measures that are being undertaken to rectify the deteriorating condition of NH 6.

The government is also urged to furnish information regarding the budget allocated to NH 6 and the utilization of those funds for maintenance and improvement purposes. “We as a union are interested in understanding the investment being made to ensure long-term durability and quality of the road,” Suchen said.

He said that the Union would also appreciate if the government could provide a realistic timeline for the completion of the proposed repairs and improvements.

“We would also like to seek clarification on the quality assurance measures being implemented to ensure that the repairs and improvements made to NH 6 are of the highest standards, providing a sustainable and long-lasting solution,” he said while adding that the significance of NH 6 in facilitating smooth transportation and boosting economic activities in the region will be affected if no action is taken.

Meanwhile, the KSU-EJHDU also asked the government to consider the urgent need for a traffic branch in East Jaintia Hills district.

Suchen said while numerous initiatives have been undertaken to address the growing challenges related to traffic management across various districts, the lack of a dedicated Traffic Branch in East Jaintia Hills District has led to significant issues and concerns for the residents.

He said the rapid growth in population and economic activities in the district has led to an exponential increase in vehicular traffic. The absence of appropriate traffic management mechanisms has caused severe congestion on major roads, thereby hampering the smooth flow of both vehicular and pedestrian movement.

“A dedicated Traffic Branch would enhance road safety measures by conducting regular patrols, implementing road safety campaigns, and issuing fines for violations,” he further asserted.

AIM against gambling in melas

The Awakening Indian Movement (AIM) has sought the intervention of the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district to ensure a blanket ban on gambling at melas being organized by different agencies.

Speaking to media persons, chairman of AIM Bansharai Marbaniang said that many people from other part of the country come to Meghalaya to host various kinds of melas, however these melas have games that encourage gambling with money which is detrimental and have a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

Marbaniang alleged that melas throughout the country are being held in order to provide entertainment to all citizens where they can experience happiness especially for children, students, and youth but at present melas in Meghalaya are being held with gambling which have detrimental and a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

“During our visit to the mela held at the Parking Lot outside Polo Ground in Shillong, the mela hosted various gambling activities with money and young people and students in uniform participated in various gambling games” said Marbaniang.

Marbaniang said that AIM is not against organizing melas in the state, however it stands against the act of gambling that is being held at the venues hence the AIM sought the intervention into this matter.

Clans want amendment of property succession Act

Different tribal Clans have expressed support to the demand for amendment of the Meghalaya Succession to Self-Acquired Property (Khasi and Jaintia Special Provision) Act, 1986.

This was informed by Maitshaphrang Convener Michael Syiem after a meeting held with the different Clans (or Kur) at Jaiaw Shyiap community hall here.

The meeting was jointly organized with three other organizations – Khasi Students’ Union, Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People and Hynniewtrep National Youth Front as part of their campaign to pressurize the state government to bring the necessary amendment to the Act.

The objective of the amendment was to ensure the ‘equitable’ or ‘fair and just’ distribution of property among siblings in a matrilineal society.

“The Clans who attended the meeting today have expressed support to our demand and they have informed that they will be organizing similar meetings within their clans to discuss the issue before taking a final decision on the matter,” Syiem told reporters.

The State Assembly passed the Meghalaya Succession to Self-Acquired Property (Khasi and Jaintia Special Provision) Act, 1986 and received the Governor’s accent in 1986. The Act provides a special provision enabling the Khasis and the Jaintias to dispose of self-acquired property by will to any of their children.

“But when the children inherit this self-acquired property of the parents, it becomes ancestral and this ancestral goes back to the youngest daughter. So we will feel that we need an amendment to this to include self-acquired property and ancestral property as well in this Act,” Syiem had earlier said.

“Another amendment we want is that the word ‘equitable’ should also be inserted in this Act so that the parents can equitably will away their property to any of their children not necessarily only to the woman or the younger daughter,” he had stated.

The social activist had also said, “Equitable does not mean equal. Equitable according to the dictionary means fair and just so it depends on the parents to give to whom and how much. We feel that this word ‘equitable’ should also be inserted in the 1986 Act.”